East Bengal Corrects Ticket Pricing for Kolkata Derby After Boycott Threat
East Bengal Corrects Ticket Pricing for Kolkata Derby After Mohun Bagan Boycott Threat
In a significant development, East Bengal has announced that it will rectify any discrepancies in ticket pricing for the highly anticipated return leg of the Kolkata Derby against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on Sunday. This decision comes after Mohun Bagan fans threatened to boycott the match due to perceived disparities in ticket costs.
The announcement was made after discussions with West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and in recognition of the sentiments of the football community. East Bengal director Sandeep Agarwal, representing principal owners Emami, stated that any discrepancies in ticket pricing would be corrected immediately.
Agarwal also promised that there would be uniform pricing for all spectators in future derby matches. Previously, tickets for East Bengal stands ranged from ₹100 to ₹1000, while Mohun Bagan tickets varied from ₹250 to ₹3000.
East Bengal, as the home team for the return leg, had determined the ticket prices through its principal owners, Emami Limited. However, Mohun Bagan general secretary Debasish Dutta had called for an official boycott, citing the disparity in pricing.
Emami East Bengal defended its pricing strategy, stating that such practices are common worldwide. They also pointed to Mohun Bagan’s similar approach on February 3, 2024, where discounts were offered to their fans.
Agarwal acknowledged that the discount structure had caused confusion and, in light of the discussions with the Sports Minister and the sentiments of the football community, they had decided to correct the pricing.
The Kolkata Derby is one of the most iconic rivalries in Indian football, and the return leg is expected to draw a massive crowd. The correction in ticket pricing is a welcome move that will ensure fairness and accessibility for all fans.